Dieting and nursing school
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I'll be the first to admit that I have put on a few pounds while in nursing school but I don't think loosing those pounds through dieting while in school is the best of ideas. I have several friends... Read More

Jan 17, '13

@Jennybrie, love everything you said! Moderation is key!

Jan 18, '13

Choose healthy eating habits now...start with small things like eating at least one veggie and one fruit a day. If you already do that then replace a candy bar with an apple or even a skinny cow snack or something. Start with small steps. Then exercise! I found a park on the way to school. On the days that I have late classes, I leave a half hour early and walk for that length of time. It invigorates me and makes me feel like I'm doing something productive.
Don't "diet" or take any big change on in nursing school. It's too much pressure!
Good luck!

Jan 18, '13

I recently lost 9 lbs in three days! I ate healthier and drank nothing but water, and I'm doing beach body.coms insanity! It truly works if you just eat a little healthier and a little less, but its the hardest work out I have ever done. I do love it though, it makes me feel good when I wake up in the mornings. I have so much more energy. Also, it's a video I can do at home so it's convenient.

I think its always okay to diet but never okay to obssess over it. I think trying to be healthy is good and possibly offers you some amount of control over something during a time when you dont have very much control over anything else. If you want to do it if not don't stress you ahve plenty of time after school to lose it.

Jan 19, '13

Like some other posters have said, every time I have "dieted" I ended up gaining all the weight back over time. I am in my 3rd semester of nursing school. I recently lost 25 lbs (went from 175 to 150). I lost the weight over the course of three months. I didn't necessarily diet, but I did make some changes to the way I eat. First, I cut out all sodas and sugary drinks from my diet, opting instead for water with cucumber or lemon. I stopped drinking the 'occasional' beer. In the case of social settings, I will instead have a "skinny" type of drink. I cut out all fast food. I know that it is much easier to grab something quick after a long day of studying, but cooking doesn't require as much time as you would think, with a little planning. I buy large packs of boneless, skinless chicken breast and portion it out into individual portions using a kitchen scale. I then put the individual portions in ziplock freezer bags and freeze them. I get out one portion and move it from the freezer to fridge before I go to bed. By the time I get home the next evening, the individual portion is thawed and ready to cook with. The Internet is full of free recipes that are quick, easy, and healthy. I have found plenty of dishes than can be made in 20-30 mins with minimal prep, ingredients, and dirty dishes. I do my best to incorporate veggies and fruit into the day where I can as sides, snacks, etc. I also decided to use smaller plates to eat my meals on. When you have a larger plate, you tend to put more food on your plate! I also make sure I spice my food well. I hardly ever use salt, but I use pepper on almost everything. The more flavorful the food, the quicker I seem to feel full. I haven't started incorporating exercise into my routine yet, but that's the next step! Eating right and exercise are the best ways, of course, to lose weight and maintain the weight loss. Of course, it is much easier said than done. I think if you start by incorporating small changes into your diet/routine, then other changes will hopefully follow. Granted I am no expert on nutrition or anything like that, but these are some changes that have helped me shed a few lbs. Best of luck!

Last edit by Shorty11 on Jan 19, '13

Jan 19, '13

Study while running on the treadmill that's what I do! I make flashcards on my phone! Easy access! I have gained 45 lbs since starting nursing school in January 2011! My New Years resolution was to lose weight! I have lost 6 lbs thus far and it has been through no junk food, more water, and exercising!!!!!! We can do it! I WILL be skinnier for graduation in August!

Jan 22, '13

I have no problem maintaining my weight while in nursing school. I find exercise helps me release all by pent up tensions.

Jan 22, '13

I'm in the last semester of my LPN in my ADN program and I remember on the very 1st day of class our instructor told us that the average nursing student gains 25lbs during the program. Not what I wanted to hear but I see how easy it happens! Between classes, studying, family, and working (if you work) it's very easy to reach for quick junky foods.

I fell into that trap my summer and fall semesters I always found myself eating at Vend-O-Land (the vending machines in the student lounges). When I got home after loading up on high calorie chips and soda I was still hungry because there wasn't any nutrition in the crap that I was eating and would then load up on more junk because I was too exhausted from class to make something healthy.

As my new year's resolution I made it a point to eat better and so far I have stuck to it. I do my best to only buy healthy foods when I shop. I bought a LARGE refillable water bottle that I take to class everyday so I don't buy a soda. I sometimes bring vita coco to drink if I want something sweet but don't want the empty calories or added sugar. I've started making my own Lara bars and they are amazing and when I take them to class it keeps me full for the whole 4 hour lecture. Now I'm not starving when I get home so I can rest and make a healthy meal later.

For me I found that I need to plan ahead a bit and pack my snacks/lunch the night before because I won't do it in the morning (I love to hit the snooze button). I'm not on a diet per say but am more mindful of the quality of the foods that I eat. So far I've lost 5lbs since Jan 1st so I'm pretty happy so far I don't exercise like I should but when I do it does a great job of clearing my head! I love the Bodyrock website because many of their exercises take 30 mins or less which is all I have time for!

Sorry this was so long and good luck you can do this!

Jan 22, '13

I do weight watchers. I have lost like 25 lbs (last spring). I still have more weight I want to lose. I have no boyfriend, so I can exercise as much as I want with out the distractions . My favorites are Zumba, Pilates, and Cycling! Cycling will kick your butt literally! The days I don't do my classes I will go on the elliptical and read my class notes and what not. Exercise is the one thing keeping me sane in my hell week.